For many, love is a highly intense and complicated emotion. It can bring feelings of happiness, excitement, life satisfaction, and even euphoria. But it can also lead to anxiety, jealousy, and stress. Many relationships end up ending because of unrequited love.
While there isn’t a clear-cut test that determines whether or not you are in love, there are some signs that it might be time to say “I love you.” According to relationship expert Dr Gary Chapman, the five love languages are words of affirmation, physical touch, sending gifts, quality time, and acts of service. You can identify your partner’s love language by looking at their behaviour. If they often say “I love you” effortlessly, it may be a sign that their emotions aren’t as strong.
In addition to reading your partner’s cues, experts recommend gauging the temperature of your relationship before deciding when it’s time to say those three magic words. “Love is a big step and can be very scary,” says dating and relationship coach Adeline Breon, author of Dating Like A Pro. “There are a lot of factors that go into making a loving and healthy relationship, including mutual respect, compatibility, and emotional intimacy.”
Breon suggests determining if your time together dips from hot to cold. If it does, you should wait a little longer before saying those three words. In her experience, it usually takes a couple of months to determine if you are on the same page.
Psychologist Barbara Santini, Sex and Relationship Adviser at online adult store Dimepiece LA, suggests waiting until you are sure that your relationship is solid before you express your feelings. She believes this is especially important if you are dealing with insecurities or if you have experienced a previous toxic relationship.
According to Santini, it can take men on average three months to say those magical words, whereas women can wait two, three, six, or even a year. However, she cautions that it’s important to ignore self-doubt and express your feelings when you feel them.
It’s also important to remember that a love that is alive will change over time. You will probably have days, weeks, or even a few years when you aren’t feeling the mushy-gushy, in-love feelings as much as you used to. This is completely normal and doesn’t mean that your relationship is doomed.
The most important thing is to keep communicating with your partner. Make sure to talk openly and honestly with them about your feelings and listen to what they have to say. It will help you navigate any challenges that might arise along the way. Love isn’t always a smooth journey, but it will be worth the ride.
